Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hand over Zhadima youth lifetime achievement award 2023 to Roko Angami on January 3. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 4
The Zhadima Village Youth & Sports Organisation (ZVYSO) has conferred Zhadima Youth Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 to Roko Angami.
The award was handed over to the later by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the inaugural ceremony of the 61st annual sports meet 2023 of ZVYSO on January 3 at Zhadima village in Kohima district.
ZVYSO honoured Roko (son of late Tholhou Soliezuo) in celebration of his 50 years of age with the Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023 for his excellence and continuous service, commitment and dedication towards sports and sports uplift.
As a football player, Roko has represented the country, India, in several international sports events.
He represented Nagaland and the state of Maharashtra in various national sports events. He is the first Naga footballer to play in the Indian Premier League for Mahindra & Mahindra United Club, Mumbai in 1996-1997. He is the second Naga footballer to play for Indian professional club after Dr T Ao.
As a football coach for 25 years now, he holds AFC 48' license (Asian Football Confederation). He holds AFC 'A' (PRO) license (Asian Football Confederation). Roko still serves as a coach of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), and also the chief coach of the prominent football club, the Naga Boys.
Under his belt, the famous Naga Boys Club has achieved three NSF trophy championships and one Classic Cup championship.
He is the only Naga football coach to give free football coaching camp to all the districts of Nagaland under the banner “Football for Peace”. He was one of the torch bearers of the 19th Commonwealth Games, 2010 for Queens Baton Rally and one of the torch bearers of the 12th South Asian Games (SAG) in 2016.
In 2010, he was nominated for Padma Shree Award by the state government. In 2012 and 2019, he was nominated for Dr T Ao Sports Award by Nagaland Football Association (NFA). In 2019, he was nominated for Governor's Award (Sports).
Presently, Roko serves as the president of Nagaland Football Coaches Association. He is also currently serving as the president of the Northern Angami Youth Organisation.
Zhadima Youth Presidential Award 2023
ZVYSO also honoured Keneilelie Sorünuo (Kenei Soru) with Zhadima Youth Presidential Award 2023 for bringing laurels to the community by securing two gold medals in the IBBFF Mr. India National Championship 2022 held at Pune Maharashtra.
Son of late Dziesevituo Sorünuo, he secured silver at IFBB Mr. Universe 2022 organized by Indian Body Building and Fitness Federation (IBBFF).
The ZVYSO also awarded certificate of honour to Neizovolie Chüpuo (son of Late Kelhihie Chüpuo) for bringing laurels to the community by securing two medals (One gold, One Silver) in Archery at the Nagaland Olympic 2022. He has represented Nagaland State four times till 2022 at various national events.
The certificate of honour was also awarded to Khriezotuonuo Soriinuo (daughter of Thejaselie Soriinuo) for bringing laurels to the community by securing Bronze Medal in Basketball at North East Olympic, 2022 held at Shillong, Meghalaya.
Seyielezo Pfüsenuo (son of Perheizetuo Pfüsenuo) also received certificate of honour for bringing laurels to the community by representing Nagaland State in Football at North East Olympic, 2022 held at Shillong, Meghalaya.
Rhipeu Thele Soriinuo (wife of Akho Sorünuo) was also honoured by ZVYSO for bringing laurels to the community by clearing the Nagaland Public Service Commission (CESE) securing the post of Assistant Professor (Sociology) 2022.
